Pepper hybrid PS16364674

ABSTRACT

The invention provides seed and plants of pepper hybrid PS16364674 and the parent lines thereof. The invention thus relates to the plants, seeds and tissue cultures of pepper hybrid PS16364674 and the parent lines thereof, and to methods for producing a pepper plant produced by crossing such plants with themselves or with another pepper plant, such as a plant of another genotype. The invention further relates to seeds and plants produced by such crossing. The invention further relates to parts of such plants, including the fruit and gametes of such plants.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to the field of plant breeding and, more specifically, to the development of pepper hybrid PS16364674 and the inbred pepper line SBR 99-1321.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The goal of vegetable breeding is to combine various desirable traits in a single variety/hybrid. Such desirable traits may include any trait deemed beneficial by a grower and/or consumer, including greater yield, resistance to insects or disease, tolerance to environmental stress, and nutritional value.

Breeding techniques take advantage of a plant's method of pollination. There are two general methods of pollination: a plant self-pollinates if pollen from one flower is transferred to the same or another flower of the same plant or plant variety. A plant cross-pollinates if pollen comes to it from a flower of a different plant variety.

Plants that have been self-pollinated and selected for type over many generations become homozygous at almost all gene loci and produce a uniform population of true breeding progeny, a homozygous plant. A cross between two such homozygous plants of different genotypes produces a uniform population of hybrid plants that are heterozygous for many gene loci. Conversely, a cross of two plants each heterozygous at a number of loci produces a population of hybrid plants that differ genetically and are not uniform. The resulting non-uniformity makes performance unpredictable.

The development of uniform varieties requires the development of homozygous inbred plants, the crossing of these inbred plants, and the evaluation of the crosses. Pedigree breeding and recurrent selection are examples of breeding methods that have been used to develop inbred plants from breeding populations. Those breeding methods combine the genetic backgrounds from two or more plants or various other broad-based sources into breeding pools from which new lines and hybrids derived therefrom are developed by selfing and selection of desired phenotypes. The new lines and hybrids are evaluated to determine which of those have commercial potential.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In one aspect, the present invention provides a pepper plant of the hybrid designated PS16364674, the pepper line SBR 99-1321 or pepper line SBY 99-1179. Also provided are pepper plants having all the physiological and morphological characteristics of such a plant. Parts of these pepper plants are also provided, for example, including pollen, an ovule, scion, a rootstock, a fruit, and a cell of the plant.

In another aspect of the invention, a plant of pepper hybrid PS16364674 and/or pepper lines SBR 99-1321 and SBY 99-1179 comprising an added heritable trait is provided. The heritable trait may comprise a genetic locus that is, for example, a dominant or recessive allele. In one embodiment of the invention, a plant of pepper hybrid PS16364674 and/or pepper lines SBR 99-1321 and SBY 99-1179 is defined as comprising a single locus conversion. In specific embodiments of the invention, an added genetic locus confers one or more traits such as, for example, herbicide tolerance, insect resistance, disease resistance, and modified carbohydrate metabolism. In further embodiments, the trait may be conferred by a naturally occurring gene introduced into the genome of a line by backcrossing, a natural or induced mutation, or a transgene introduced through genetic transformation techniques into the plant or a progenitor of any previous generation thereof. When introduced through transformation, a genetic locus may comprise one or more genes integrated at a single chromosomal location.

The invention also concerns the seed of pepper hybrid PS16364674 and/or pepper lines SBR 99-1321 and SBY 99-1179. The pepper seed of the invention may be provided as an essentially homogeneous population of pepper seed of pepper hybrid PS16364674 and/or pepper lines SBR 99-1321 and SBY 99-1179. Essentially homogeneous populations of seed are generally free from substantial numbers of other seed. Therefore, seed of hybrid PS16364674 and/or pepper lines SBR 99-1321 and SBY 99-1179 may be defined as forming at least about 97% of the total seed, including at least about 98%, 99% or more of the seed. The seed population may be separately grown to provide an essentially homogeneous population of pepper plants designated PS16364674 and/or pepper lines SBR 99-1321 and SBY 99-1179.

In yet another aspect of the invention, a tissue culture of regenerable cells of a pepper plant of hybrid PS16364674 and/or pepper lines SBR 99-1321 and SBY 99-1179 is provided. The tissue culture will preferably be capable of regenerating pepper plants capable of expressing all of the physiological and morphological characteristics of the starting plant, and of regenerating plants having substantially the same genotype as the starting plant. Examples of some of the physiological and morphological characteristics of the hybrid PS16364674 and/or pepper lines SBR 99-1321 and SBY 99-1179 include those traits set forth in the tables herein. The regenerable cells in such tissue cultures may be derived, for example, from embryos, meristems, cotyledons, pollen, leaves, anthers, roots, root tips, pistils, flowers, seed and stalks. Still further, the present invention provides pepper plants regenerated from a tissue culture of the invention, the plants having all the physiological and morphological characteristics of hybrid PS16364674 and/or pepper lines SBR 99-1321 and SBY 99-1179.

In still yet another aspect of the invention, processes are provided for producing pepper seeds, plants and fruit, which processes generally comprise crossing a first parent pepper plant with a second parent pepper plant, wherein at least one of the first or second parent pepper plants is a plant of pepper line SBR 99-1321 or pepper line SBY 99-1179. These processes may be further exemplified as processes for preparing hybrid pepper seed or plants, wherein a first pepper plant is crossed with a second pepper plant of a different, distinct genotype to provide a hybrid that has, as one of its parents, a plant of pepper line SBR 99-1321 or pepper line SBY 99-1179. In these processes, crossing will result in the production of seed. The seed production occurs regardless of whether the seed is collected or not.

In one embodiment of the invention, the first step in “crossing” comprises planting seeds of a first and second parent pepper plant, often in proximity so that pollination will occur for example, mediated by insect vectors. Alternatively, pollen can be transferred manually. Where the plant is self-pollinated, pollination may occur without the need for direct human intervention other than plant cultivation.

A second step may comprise cultivating or growing the seeds of first and second parent pepper plants into plants that bear flowers. A third step may comprise preventing self-pollination of the plants, such as by emasculating the flowers (i.e., killing or removing the pollen).

A fourth step for a hybrid cross may comprise cross-pollination between the first and second parent pepper plants. Yet another step comprises harvesting the seeds from at least one of the parent pepper plants. The harvested seed can be grown to produce a pepper plant or hybrid pepper plant.

The present invention also provides the pepper seeds and plants produced by a process that comprises crossing a first parent pepper plant with a second parent pepper plant, wherein at least one of the first or second parent pepper plants is a plant of pepper hybrid PS16364674 and/or pepper lines SBR 99-1321 and SBY 99-1179. In one embodiment of the invention, pepper seed and plants produced by the process are first generation (F₁) hybrid pepper seed and plants produced by crossing a plant in accordance with the invention with another, distinct plant. The present invention further contemplates plant parts of such an F₁ hybrid pepper plant, and methods of use thereof. Therefore, certain exemplary embodiments of the invention provide an F₁ hybrid pepper plant and seed thereof.

In still yet another aspect, the present invention provides a method of producing a plant derived from hybrid PS16364674 and/or pepper lines SBR 99-1321 and SBY 99-1179, the method comprising the steps of: (a) preparing a progeny plant derived from hybrid PS16364674 and/or pepper lines SBR 99-1321 and SBY 99-1179, wherein said preparing comprises crossing a plant of the hybrid PS16364674 and/or pepper lines SBR 99-1321 and SBY 99-1179 with a second plant; and (b) crossing the progeny plant with itself or a second plant to produce a seed of a progeny plant of a subsequent generation. In further embodiments, the method may additionally comprise: (c) growing a progeny plant of a subsequent generation from said seed of a progeny plant of a subsequent generation and crossing the progeny plant of a subsequent generation with itself or a second plant; and repeating the steps for an additional 3-10 generations to produce a plant derived from hybrid PS16364674 and/or pepper lines SBR 99-1321 and SBY 99-1179. The plant derived from hybrid PS16364674 and/or pepper lines SBR 99-1321 and SBY 99-1179 may be an inbred line, and the aforementioned repeated crossing steps may be defined as comprising sufficient inbreeding to produce the inbred line. In the method, it may be desirable to select particular plants resulting from step (c) for continued crossing according to steps (b) and (c). By selecting plants having one or more desirable traits, a plant derived from hybrid PS16364674 and/or pepper lines SBR 99-1321 and SBY 99-1179 is obtained which possesses some of the desirable traits of the line/hybrid as well as potentially other selected traits.

In certain embodiments, the present invention provides a method of producing food or feed comprising: (a) obtaining a plant of pepper hybrid PS16364674 and/or pepper lines SBR 99-1321 and SBY 99-1179, wherein the plant has been cultivated to maturity, and (b) collecting at least one pepper from the plant.

In still yet another aspect of the invention, the genetic complement of pepper hybrid PS16364674 and/or pepper lines SBR 99-1321 and SBY 99-1179 is provided. The phrase “genetic complement” is used to refer to the aggregate of nucleotide sequences, the expression of which sequences defines the phenotype of, in the present case, a pepper plant, or a cell or tissue of that plant. A genetic complement thus represents the genetic makeup of a cell, tissue or plant, and a hybrid genetic complement represents the genetic make up of a hybrid cell, tissue or plant. The invention thus provides pepper plant cells that have a genetic complement in accordance with the pepper plant cells disclosed herein, and seeds and plants containing such cells.

Plant genetic complements may be assessed by genetic marker profiles, and by the expression of phenotypic traits that are characteristic of the expression of the genetic complement, e.g., isozyme typing profiles. It is understood that hybrid PS16364674 and/or pepper lines SBR 99-1321 and SBY 99-1179 could be identified by any of the many well known techniques such as, for example, Simple Sequence Length Polymorphisms (SSLPs) (Williams et al., 1990), Randomly Amplified Polymorphic DNAs (RAPDs), DNA Amplification Fingerprinting (DAF), Sequence Characterized Amplified Regions (SCARs), Arbitrary Primed Polymerase Chain Reaction (AP-PCR), Amplified Fragment Length Polymorphisms (AFLPs) (EP 534 858, specifically incorporated herein by reference in its entirety), and Single Nucleotide Polymorphisms (SNPs) (Wang et al., 1998).

In still yet another aspect, the present invention provides hybrid genetic complements, as represented by pepper plant cells, tissues, plants, and seeds, formed by the combination of a haploid genetic complement of a pepper plant of the invention with a haploid genetic complement of a second pepper plant, preferably, another, distinct pepper plant. In another aspect, the present invention provides a pepper plant regenerated from a tissue culture that comprises a hybrid genetic complement of this invention.

In still yet another aspect, the invention provides a method of determining the genotype of a plant of pepper hybrid PS16364674 and/or pepper lines SBR 99-1321 and SBY 99-1179 comprising detecting in the genome of the plant at least a first polymorphism. The method may, in certain embodiments, comprise detecting a plurality of polymorphisms in the genome of the plant. The method may further comprise storing the results of the step of detecting the plurality of polymorphisms on a computer readable medium. The invention further provides a computer readable medium produced by such a method.

Any embodiment discussed herein with respect to one aspect of the invention applies to other aspects of the invention as well, unless specifically noted.

The term “about” is used to indicate that a value includes the standard deviation of the mean for the device or method being employed to determine the value. The use of the term “or” in the claims is used to mean “and/or” unless explicitly indicated to refer to alternatives only or the alternatives are mutually exclusive. When used in conjunction with the word “comprising” or other open language in the claims, the words “a” and “an” denote “one or more,” unless specifically noted otherwise. The terms “comprise,” “have” and “include” are open-ended linking verbs. Any forms or tenses of one or more of these verbs, such as “comprises,” “comprising,” “has,” “having,” “includes” and “including,” are also open-ended. For example, any method that “comprises,” “has” or “includes” one or more steps is not limited to possessing only those one or more steps and also covers other unlisted steps. Similarly, any plant that “comprises,” “has” or “includes” one or more traits is not limited to possessing only those one or more traits and covers other unlisted traits.

Other objects, features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following detailed description. It should be understood, however, that the detailed description and any specific examples provided, while indicating specific embodiments of the invention, are given by way of illustration only, since various changes and modifications within the spirit and scope of the invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art from this detailed description.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The invention provides methods and compositions relating to plants, seeds and derivatives of pepper hybrid PS16364674, pepper line SBR 99-1321 and pepper line SBY 99-1179. The hybrid PS16364674 is produced by the cross of parent lines SBR 99-1321 and SBY 99-1179. The parent lines show uniformity and stability within the limits of environmental influence. By crossing the parent lines, uniform seed hybrid PS16364674 can be obtained.

PS16364674 is a bell pepper hybrid adapted to growing conditions in California. It has good performance along the Central Valley and coastal valleys of the state. It develops a compact plant with dense foliage cover and a concentrated set of medium-green bell peppers with a high percentage of 4-lobed fruit. The hybrid is genetically anthocyaninless, and contains the following resistance genes: Tsw (for resistance to Tomato Spotted Wilt Virus), L₁ (for resistance to Tobamovirus pathotype P0), Bs2 (for resistance to resistance to bacterial leaf spot (Xanthomonas campestris pv. vesicatoria) races 0-3, 7, 8), and the pvr2-2 gene (for resistance to Potato virus Y pathotypes 0 and 1, and some strains of Tobacco etch virus). The dense foliage cover protects the fruit from sunburn. The fruit size and yield are comparable to Baron, but the fruit is generally more uniform, firmer, heavier with better quality at the green pick stage.

The development of pepper hybrid PS16364674 and its parent lines can be summarized as follows.

A. Origin And Breeding History Of Pepper Hybrid PS16364674

The parents of hybrid PS16364674 are SBR 99-1321 and SBY 99-1179. These parents were created as follows:

SBR 99-1321 develops a small-to-medium sized anthocyaninless plant that produces a good set of medium-sized, blocky, sometimes misshapen fruit. The fruit matures from a dark green to red. The line contains the L1 resistance gene, which confers resistance to Tobamo virus (P0); the Bs2 resistance gene, which confers resistance to bacterial leaf spot (Xanthomonas campestris pv. vesicatoria races 0-3, 7, 8); the Tsw gene, which confers resistance to Tomato spotted wilt virus (pathotype 0). The line also contains the pvr2-2 gene, which confers resistance to Potato virus Y (pathotypes 0 and 1) and to some strains of Tobacco etch virus (TEV).

SBR 99-1321 was developed by pedigree selection from Seminis hybrid SVR 99 1 6136. This hybrid resulted from the cross between female “DK 80226-4” and male “01LB 03012-01”.

The parent “DK 80226-4” is a green-to-red blocky bell pepper. The line contains the L1 resistance gene conferring resistance to Tobamo virus (P0); the Bs2 resistance gene, which confers resistance to bacterial leaf spot (Xanthomonas campestris pv. vesicatoria races 0-3, 7, 8); and the pvr2-2 gene, which confers resistance to Potato virus Y (pathotypes 0 and 1) and to some strains of Tobacco etch virus (TEV). The parent “01LB 03012-01” develops an anthocyaninless plant and contains the Bs2 resistance gene, which confers resistance to bacterial leaf spot (Xanthomonas campestris pv. vesicatoria races 0-3, 7, 8) the Bs3 resistance gene, which confers resistance to bacterial leaf spot (Xanthomonas campestris pv. vesicatoria races 0, 1, 4, and 7, 9); and the L1 resistance gene, which confers resistance to Tobamo virus (P0). Neither parent was marketed directly as open pollinated lines. SBR 99-1321 differs from DK 80226-4 in that it is anthocyaninless and DK 80226-4 is not. SBR 99-1321 differs from 01LB 03012-01 because it contains the Tsw gene and 01LB 03102-01 does not. Also, SBR 99-1321 does not contain the Bs3 gene and 01LB 03012-01 does.

The crossing and selections were made as follows:

-   -   Year 1: Produced the hybrid SVR 99 1 6136 from parents using DK         80226-4 as the female (the “seed parent”) and 01LB 03102-01 as         the male (the “pollen parent”).     -   Year 2: Planted the F₁ hybrid SVR 99 1 6136 as stake 02GA 079.         The hybrid was bulked and the seed was stored as AP 0437.     -   Year 2: Planted the F₂ line AP 0437 as stake 02LB 06940.         Selections were made.     -   Year 3: Planted the F₃ line 02LB 06940-04 as stake 03LB 03624.         In pathology tests, the line was segregating for the Tsw gene         and Bs3 gene. It was also segregating for the anthocyaninless         trait. Selections were made.     -   Year 3: Planted F₄ inbred 03LB 03624-02 as stake 03LB 07490.         Pathology tests indicated that the line was fixed for the L1         resistance allele, fixed for the Bs2 resistance allele, and         fixed for the Tsw resistance allele. Also the line was fixed for         the anthocyaninless trait. Selections were made.     -   Year 4: Planted F₅ inbred 03LB 07490-02 as stake 04LB 02839.         Selections were made.     -   Year 4: Planted F₆ inbred 04LB 02839-02 as stake 04LB 08200.         Further pathology indicated that the line was fixed for the         susceptible allele at the Bs3 locus.     -   Year 5: Planted F₇ inbred 04LB 08200-02 as stake 05LB 02175. The         line was bulked.     -   Year 6: Planted F₈ line 05LB 02175-M as stake 06FC 66335. The         line was observed to be a medium-small plant with medium sized         semi-misshapen dark green fruits with leaf curl but good cover.         The line was bulked again to increase seed quantity.     -   Year 7: The line 06FC 66335-M was named SBR 99-1321 and was         submitted for further increase.

SBY 99-1179 was developed by pedigree selection from Seminis hybrid SVR 7273802. This hybrid resulted from the cross between female “Y79?7488Y” and male “SBY29-469”.

SBY 99-1179 develops an anthocyaninless, small to medium-sized plant that provides heavy cover. The plant produces a firm, weak green-maturing to yellow fruit with good shape and a nice shoulder. Tests indicate the line is fixed for resistance to the Tobacco etch virus (TEV) (pvr2-2 gene), fixed for Tobacco mosaic virus (pathotype P0) (TMV) resistance (L1 gene), fixed for resistance to races 1, 2, and 3 bacterial spot (BLS)[(Xanthomonas campestris pv. vesicatoria) Bs2 gene], and resistant or tolerant to Phytopthora capsici.

Parent “Y79?7488Y” was a blocky, yellow bell segregating for the anthocyaninless trait, fixed for resistance to TEV, fixed for resistance to TMV, and fixed for resistance to races 1, 2, and 3 BLS. Parent “SBY29-469” was an anthocyaninless, yellow, blocky bell fixed for TEV resistance, fixed for TMV resistance, and resistant or tolerant to Phytopthora capsici. Neither parent was marketed directly as open pollinated lines. SBY 99-1179 differs from Y79?7488Y because it is fixed for the anthocyaninless trait and is resistant or tolerant to P. capsici. SBY 99-1179 differs from SBY29-469 because it is resistant to TMV and is resistant to races 1, 2, and 3 BLS.

The crossing and selections were made as follows:

-   -   Year 1: Planted parents “Y79?7488Y” as inbred # LBGH 3251 and         “SBY29-469” as inbred # LBGH 3294. The F₁ Hybrid SVR 7273802 was         made.     -   Year 2: Sowed F₁ hybrid SVR 7273802 as stake #98LB 5151. The         hybrid was selfed and massed.     -   Year 2: Planted F₂ inbred line 98LB 5151-M as stake #98LB         YBS 388. Individual plants were selected.     -   Year 3: Planted F₃ inbred line 95LB YBS 388-01 as stake         #99LB 1181. The line was segregating for low level resistance         to P. capsici. Individual plants were selected.     -   Year 3: Planted F₄ inbred line 99LB 1181-01 as stake #99LB 7173.         The line was fixed for TMV resistance, fixed for TEV resistance,         and fixed for resistance to races 1, 2, and 3 BLS. Notes also         indicate the line was segregating to P. capsici. Individual         plants were selected.     -   Year 4: Planted F₅ inbred line 99LB 7173-01 as stake #00LB 2171.         The line was segregating for low level resistance to P. capsici.         Individual plants were selected.     -   Year 4: Submitted F₆ inbred line 00LB 2171-01 to pathology to         screen for resistance to P. capsici as pathology test line         WM 85395. Resistant survivors were saved.     -   Year 5: Planted F₇ inbred line WM 85395-51 as stake #01LB 7797.         Small plants with firm fruit and weak fruit color were produced.         Individual plants were selected.     -   Year 6: Planted F₈ inbred line 01LB 7797-04 as stake         #02LB 04011. Anthocyaninless, yellow-fruited line with a small         to medium plant that provided heavy cover were produced.         Further, line produced firm fruit, with good shape and a nice         shoulder, and weak green fruit color. Tests indicate the line         was fixed for resistance to the Tobacco etch virus (pvr2-2         gene), fixed for TMV resistance, fixed for resistance to races         1, 2, and 3 BLS and resistant to P. capsici. Plants were stable         and uniform. The line was bulked.     -   Year 6: The inbred line, 02LB 004011-M, was designated SBY         99-1179.

The parent lines are uniform and stable, as is a hybrid therefrom. A small percentage of variants can occur within commercially acceptable limits for almost any characteristic during the course of repeated multiplication. However no variants are expected.

B. Physiological And Morphological Characteristics Of Pepper Hybrid PS16364674, PEPPER LINE SBR 99-1321 AND PEPPER LINE SBY 99-1179

In accordance with one aspect of the present invention, there is provided a plant having the physiological and morphological characteristics of pepper hybrid PS16364674 and the parent lines thereof. A description of the physiological and morphological characteristics of such plants is presented in Tables 1-3.

TABLE 1 Physiological and Morphological Characteristics of Hybrid PS16364674 CHARACTERISTIC PS16364674 Early Cal Wonder 1. Species C. annuum C. annuum 2. Maturity (in region of best adaptability) Number of days from 76 67 transplanting until mature green stage Number of days from 103 85 transplanting until mature red or yellow stage Number of days from direct 92 104 seeding until mature green stage Number of days from direct 119 122 seeding until mature red or yellow stage 3. Plant Habit Compact Compact Attitude Upright/erect (De Cayenne, Upright/erect Doux très long des Landes, Piquant d'Algérie) Plant height 29.5 cm 40.9 cm Plant width 33.4 cm 47.1 cm Length of stem from cotyledon 12.5 cm 10.7 cm to first flower Length of the third internode 168.2 mm 54 mm (from soil surface) Length of stem Long (Lipari, Marconi, Medium Rouge long ordinaire) Shortened internode (in upper Present (Feher, Kalocsai Absent part) 601, Kalocsai 702) For varieties with shortened One to three (Fehér) internodes: number of internodes between the first flower and the shortened internodes For varieties without shortened Medium internodes: length of internode (on primary side shoots) Stem: hairiness of nodes Medium (Doux très long des Absent or very weak Landes, Farnese) Height Short (Albaregia) Medium Basal branches Few (2-3) Few Branch flexibility Willowy (Cayenne Long Rigid Red) Stem strength (breakage Strong Intermediate resistance) Beginning of flowering (1st Medium (Lamuyo, Latino) Early flower on 2nd flowering node) Time of maturity Medium (Lamuyo, Latino, Medium Sonar) Seedling: anthocyanin Absent (Albaregia, Albena) Moderate coloration of hypocotyl Anthocyanin coloration of stem Weak Weak Anthocyanin coloration of Weak Absent nodes Stem: intensity of anthocyanin Very weak Medium coloration of nodes Anthocyanin coloration of leaf Absent Absent Anthocyanin coloration of Weak Absent pedicel Anthocyanin coloration of calyx Absent absent 4. Leaf Length of blade Long (Cupido, Dolmy, Medium Encore, Mazurka, Monte) Width of blade Medium (Albaregia, Medium Balaton, Danubia, Marconi, Merit) Leaf width 48.5 mm 60 mm Leaf length 87.8 mm 113.3 Petiole length 26.1 mm 46 mm Leaf color Dark green Light green Leaf color (RHS color chart 144A 147A value) Intensity of green color Medium (Doux très long des Light Landes, Merit) Mature leaf shape Lanceolate (Diavolo, Recio) Ovate Leaf and stem pubescence Absent Absent Undulation of margin Weak (Doux très long des Absent Landes) Blistering Medium (Merit) Weak Profile in cross section Strongly concave (Slávy) Moderately concave Glossiness Weak (De Cayenne, Doux Medium très long des Landes) Peduncle attitude Semi-drooping (Blondy) Erect 5. Flower Number of flowers per leaf axil 1 1 Number of calyx lobes 7 6 Number of petals 7 6 Diameter 26 mm 25.1 mm Corolla color White White Corolla throat markings Yellow Yellow Anther color Yellow Purple Style length Same as stamen Same as stamen Self-incompatability Absent Absent Anthocyanin coloration in Absent (Danza) Present anther 6. Fruit Group Bell (Yolo Wonder L.) Bell (Yolo Wonder L.) Color (before maturity) Green (California wonder, Green Lamuyo) Intensity of color (before Medium Medium maturity) Immature fruit color Medium green Medium green Immature fruit color (RHS color 144A 137A chart value) Attitude/position Drooping/pendent (De Drooping/pendent Cayenne, Lamuyo) Length Medium (Fehér, Lamuyo) Medium Diameter Medium (Doux italien, Broad Corno di toro) Ratio length/diameter Small (Bucano, Topgirl) Medium Calyx diameter 37.9 mm 32 mm Fruit length 86.9 mm 80 mm Fruit diameter at calyx 73.2 mm 70 mm attachment Fruit diameter at mid-point 68.1 mm 80 mm Flesh thickness at mid-point 5.7 mm 6 mm Average number of fruits per 8.3 10 plant % large fruits 52% (weight range: 100-199 g) 50% (weight range 140-199 g) % medium fruits 41% (weight range: 40-99 g) 30% (weight range 80-139 g) % small fruits 7% (weight range: 13-39 g) 20% (weight range 20-79 g) Average fruit weight 112.6 gm 100 gm Shape in longitudinal section Square (Delphin, Yolo Square Wonder) Shape in cross section (at level Circular (Cherry Sweet, Quadrangular of placenta) Doux très long des Landes) Sinuation of pericarp at basal Weak (Donat) Very weak part Sinuation of pericarp excluding Weak (Clovis, Sonar) Very weak basal part Texture of surface Smooth or very slightly Smooth or very wrinkled (Milord) slightly wrinkled Color (at maturity) Red (Fehér, Lamuyo) Red Intensity of color (at maturity) Dark Dark Mature fruit color Red Red Mature fruit color (RHS color N34A 46A chart value) Glossiness Medium/moderate (Carré Medium/moderate doux extra hâtif, Lamuyo, Sonar) Stalk cavity Present (Bingor, Lamuyo) Absent Depth of stalk cavity Deep (Osir, Quadrato d'Asti rosso, Surpas) Pedicel length 38.1 mm 20 mm Pedicel thickness 8.9 mm 6 mm Pedicel shape Curved Curved Pedicel cavity Present Absent Depth of pedicel cavity 15.8 mm Stalk length Medium (Fehér, Sonar) Medium Stalk thickness Medium (Doux italien, Medium Surpas) Base shape Cupped Cupped Shape of apex Moderately depressed Very depressed (Quadrato a'Asti rosso) Shape Bell (Yolo Wonder L.) Bell (Yolo Wonder L.) Fruit set Concentrated Scattered Depth of interloculary grooves Very shallow Medium Number of locules Predominantly four and Predominantly four more (Palio, PAZ szentesi) and more Fruits with three locule 30% 40% Fruits with four locule 70% 60% Average number of locules 4 4 Thickness of flesh Medium (Fehér, Lamuyo) Thick Calyx aspect Non-enveloping/saucer- Non-enveloping/ shaped (Lamuyo, Sonar) saucer-shaped Pungency Sweet Sweet Capsaicin in placenta Absent (Sonar) Absent Flavor Mild pepper flavor Moderate Glossiness Moderate shiny Anthocyanin coloration Absent (Lamuyo) Absent 7. Seed Seed cavity length 75.1 mm 43 mm Seed cavity diameter 57.8 mm 52 mm Placenta length 22.4 mm 22 mm Number of seeds per fruit 135 100 Grams per 1000 seeds 8 gm 7.5 gm Seed color Yellow Yellow *These are typical values. Values may vary due to environment. Other values that are substantially equivalent are also within the scope of the invention.

TABLE 2 Physiological and Morphological Characteristics of Line SBR 99-1321 CHARACTERISTIC SBR 99-1321 Early Cal Wonder 1. Species C. annuum C. annuum 2. Maturity (in region of best adaptability) Number of days from 57 67 transplanting until mature green stage Number of days from 103 85 transplanting until mature red or yellow stage Number of days from direct 83 104 seeding until mature green stage Number of days from direct 129 122 seeding until mature red or yellow stage 3. Plant Habit Compact Compact Attitude Upright/erect (De Cayenne, Upright/erect Doux très long des Landes, Piquant d'Algérie) Plant height 29 cm 40.9 cm Plant width 35 cm 47.1 cm Length of stem from cotyledon 12 cm 10.7 cm to first flower Length of the third internode 85 mm 54 mm (from soil surface) Length of stem Medium (Belsir, Lamuyo) Medium Shortened internode (in upper Absent (California wonder, Absent part) De Cayenne) For varieties without shortened Medium (Dolmi, Florian, Medium internodes: length of internode Órias) (on primary side shoots) Stem: hairiness of nodes Absent or very weak Absent or very weak (Arlequin) Height Medium (HRF) Medium Basal branches None Few Branch flexibility Rigid (Yolo Wonder) Rigid Stem strength (breakage Weak Intermediate resistance) Seedling: anthocyanin Absent (Albaregia, Albena) Moderate coloration of hypocotyl Anthocyanin coloration of stem Absent Absent Anthocyanin coloration of Weak Weak nodes Stem: intensity of anthocyanin Very weak Medium coloration of nodes Anthocyanin coloration of leaf Absent Absent Anthocyanin coloration of Absent Absent pedicel Anthocyanin coloration of Absent Absent calyx Beginning of flowering (1st Early (Carré doux extra hâtif, Early flower on 2nd flowering node) Cupido, Fehér, Flaviano, Lito, Trophy) Time of maturity Medium (Lamuyo, Latino, Medium Sonar) 4. Leaf Length of blade Long (Cupido, Dolmy, Medium Encore, Mazurka, Monte) Width of blade Medium (Albaregia, Balaton, Medium Danubia, Marconi, Merit) Leaf width 53 mm 60 mm Leaf length 97 mm 113.3 mm Petiole length 40 mm 46 mm Leaf color Medium green Light green Leaf color (RHS color chart 137A 147A value) Intensity of green color Medium (Doux très long des Light Landes, Merit) Mature leaf shape Lanceolate (Diavolo, Recio) Ovate Leaf and stem pubescence Absent Absent Undulation of margin Very weak Absent Blistering Weak (Pusztagold) Weak Profile in cross section Flat (De Cayenne, Recio) Moderately concave Glossiness Medium (Alby, Eolo) Medium Peduncle attitude Semi-dropping (Blondy) Erect 5. Flower Number of flowers per leaf axil 1 1 Number of calyx lobes 7 6 Number of petals 6 6 Diameter 23 mm 25.1 mm Corolla color White White Corolla throat markings Yellow Yellow Anther color Yellow Purple Style length Exceeds stamen Same as stamen Self-incompatibility Present Absent Anthocyanin coloration in Absent (Danza) Present anther 6. Fruit Group Bell (Yolo Wonder L.) Bell (Yolo Wonder L.) Color (before maturity) Green (California wonder, Green Lamuyo) Intensity of color (before Medium Medium maturity) Immature fruit color Medium green Medium green Immature fruit color (RHS 137A 137A color chart value) Attitude/position Drooping/pendant (De Drooping/pendent Cayenne, Lamuyo) Length Medium (Fehér, Lamuyo) Medium Diameter Medium (Doux italien, corno Broad di toro) Ratio length/diameter Very small (Liebesapfel, PAZ Medium szentesi, Rotopa) Calyx diameter 30 mm 32 mm Fruit length 74 mm 80 mm Fruit diameter at calyx 70 mm 70 mm attachment Fruit diameter at mid-point 63 mm 80 mm Flesh thickness at mid-point 5.1 mm 6 mm Average number of fruits per 9 10 plant % large fruits 10% (weight range: 151-200 g) 50% (weight range: 140-199 g) % medium fruits 75% (weight range: 51-150 g) 30% (weight range: 80-139 g) % small fruits 15% (weight range: 10-50 g) 20% (weight range: 20-79 g) Measurements (average fruit 88.4 gm 100 gm weight) Shape in longitudinal section Square (Delphin, Yolo Square Wonder) Shape in cross section (at level Circular (Cherry Sweet, Doux Quadrangular of placenta) très long des Landes) Sinuation of pericarp at basal Weak (Donat) Very Weak part Sinuation of pericarp excluding Weak (Clovis, Sonar) Very Weak basal part Texture of surface Smooth or very slightly Smooth or very wrinkled (Milord) slightly wrinkled Color (at maturity) Red (Fehér, Lamuyo) Red Intensity of color (at maturity) Dark Dark Mature fruit color Red Red Mature fruit color (RHS color N34A 46A chart value) Glossiness Medium/moderate (Carré Medium/moderate doux extra hâtif, Lamuyo, Sonar) Stalk cavity Present (Bingor, Lamuyo) Absent Depth of stalk cavity Medium (Lamuyo, Magister) Pedicel length 36.4 mm 20 mm Pedicel thickness 10.7 mm 6 mm Pedicel shape Curved Curved Pedicel cavity Present Absent Measurements (depth of pedicel 14.2 mm cavity) Stalk length Long (De Cayenne, Sierra Medium Nevada, Sweet banana) Stalk thickness Medium (Doux italien, Medium Surpas) Base shape Cupped Cupped Shape of apex Moderately depressed Very depressed (Quadrato a'Asti rosso) Shape Bell (Yolo Wonder L.) Bell (Yolo Wonder L.) Fruit set Concentrated Scattered Depth of interloculary grooves Medium (Clovis, Lamuyo, Medium Marconi) Number of locules Predominantly four and more Predominantly four (Palio, PAZ szentesi) and more Fruits with three locules 30% 40% Fruits with four locules 70% 60% Average number of locules 4 4 Thickness of flesh Medium (Fehér, Lamuyo) Thick Calyx aspect Non-enveloping/saucer- Non- shaped (Lamuyo, Sonar) enveloping/saucer- shaped Pungency Sweet Sweet Capsaicin in placenta Absent (Sonar) Absent Flavor Moderate pepper flavor Moderate Glossiness Moderate Shiny Anthocyanin coloration Absent (Lamuyo) Absent 7. Seed Seed cavity length 61.8 mm 43 mm Seed cavity diameter 52.2 mm 52 mm Placenta length 18 mm 22 mm Number of seeds per fruit 135 100 Grams per 1000 seeds 5.5 gm 7.5 gm Seed color Yellow Yellow *These are typical values. Values may vary due to environment. Other values that are substantially equivalent are also within the scope of the invention.

TABLE 3 Physiological and Morphological Characteristics of Line SBY 99-1179 CHARACTERISTIC SBY 99-1179 Early Cal Wonder 1 Species C. annuum C. annuum 2 Maturity in region of most adaptability Days from transplanting until mature 71 67 green stage) Days from transplanting until mature 92 85 red or yellow stage) Days from direct seeding until 108 104 mature green stage) Days from direct seeding until 129 122 mature red or yellow stage) 3 Plant Habit compact compact Attitude upright/erect (De Cayenne, upright/erect (De Doux trés long des Landes, Cayenne, Doux trés Piquant d'Algerie) long des Landes, Piquant d'Algerie) Plant height 36.9 cm 40.9 cm Plant width 41.1 cm 47.1 cm Length of stem from cotyledon to 11.2 cm 10.7 cm first flower Length of the third internode (from 60.7 mm 54.0 mm soil surface) Length of stem medium (Belsir, Lamuyo) Shortened internode (in upper part) absent (California wonder, De Cayenne) Length of internode (on primary side short (Bandero, Blondy, shoots) Danubia, Tenor) Stem: Hairiness of nodes absent or very weak (Arlequin) Height short (Albaregia) Basal branches none few (2-3) Branch flexibility rigid (Yolo Wonder) rigid (Yolo Wonder) Stem strength (breakage resistance) strong intermediate 4 Leaf Length of blade long (Cupido, Dolmy, Encore, Mazurka, Monte) Width of blade medium (Albaregia, Balaton, Danubia, Marconi, Merit) Leaf width 56.3 mm 60.0 mm Leaf length 100.3 mm 113.3 mm Petiole length 34.3 mm 46.0 mm Color dark green light green Color (RHS Color Chart value) 137A 147A Intensity of green color dark (Dolmy, Tinto) Mature leaf shape ovate (Balico, Sonar) ovate (Balico, Sonar) Leaf and stem pubescence absent absent Undulation of margin absent (De Cayenne) absent (De Cayenne) Blistering weak (Pusztagold) weak (Pusztagold) Profile in cross section flat (De Cayenne) Glossiness weak (De Cayenne, Doux trés long des Landes) Peduncle: Attitude erect (Fehér, Red Chilli) 5 Flower Number of flowers per leaf axil 1 1 Number of calyx lobes 6 6 Number of petals 6 6 Diameter 22.4 mm 25.1 mm Corolla color white white Corolla throat markings yellow yellow Anther color yellow purple Style Length less than stamen same as stamen Self-incompatibility absent absent 6 Fruit Group Bell (Yolo Wonder L.) Bell (Yolo Wonder L.) Color before maturity green (California wonder, Lamuyo) Intensity of color (before maturity) medium Immature fruit color medium green medium green Immature fruit color (RHS Color green 143A green 137A Chart value) Attitude/position drooping/pendent (De drooping/pendent Cayenne, Lamuyo) (De Cayenne, Lamuyo) Length medium (Fehér, Lamuyo) Diameter medium (Doux italien, Corno di toro) Ratio length/diameter small (Bucano, Topgirl) Calyx diameter 29.0 mm 32.0 mm Fruit length 76.5 mm 80.0 mm Fruit diameter at calyx attachment 69.7 mm 70.0 mm Fruit diameter at mid-point 77.3 mm 80.0 mm Flesh thickness at mid-point 6.4 mm 6.0 mm Average number of fruits per plant 12.7 10.0 % large fruits Weight range: Weight range: 200 to 300 g 130 to 200 g (7.2%) (50.0%) % medium fruits Weight range: Weight range: 100 to 195 g 90 to 120 g (19.7%) (30.0%) % small fruits Weight range: Weight range: 5 to 95 g 50 to 75 g (73.1%) (20.0%) Average fruit weight 96.3 gm 100.0 gm Shape in longitudinal section square (Delphin, Yolo square (Delphin, Wonder) Yolo Wonder) Shape in cross section (at level of quadrangular quadrangular placenta) Sinuation of pericarp at basal part very weak (Delphin, Kalocsai V-2, Milord) Sinuation of pericarp excluding basal weak (Clovis, Sonar) part Texture of surface smooth or very slightly smooth or very wrinkled (Milord) slightly wrinkled (Milord) Color (at maturity) yellow (Golden calwonder, Heldor) Intensity of color (at maturity) medium Mature fruit color orange-yellow red Mature fruit color (RHS Color Chart yellow orange 17C 46A value) Glossiness medium/moderate (Carré medium/moderate doux extra hâtif, Lamuyo, (Carré doux extra Sonar) hâtif, Lamuyo, Sonar) Stalk cavity present (Bingor, Lamuyo) Depth of stalk cavity very shallow (Flush, Kaméleon, Niagara) Pedicel length 33.5 mm 20.0 mm Pedicel thickness 9.7 mm 6.0 mm Pedicel shape curved curved Pedicel cavity present absent Depth of pedicel cavity 4.0 mm Stalk: Length medium (Fehér, Sonar) Stalk: Thickness medium (Doux italien, Surpas) Base shape cupped cupped Shape of apex moderately depressed very depressed (Quadrato a'Asti rosso) (Kerala, Monte, Osir) Shape Bell (Yolo Wonder L.) Bell (Yolo Wonder L.) Fruit set concentrated scattered Depth of interloculary grooves medium (Clovis, Lamuyo, medium (Clovis, Marconi) Lamuyo, Marconi) Number of locules predominantly four and more (Palio, PAZ szentesi) Fruits with one locule 0.0% 0.0% Fruits with two locules 6.0% 0.0% Fruits with three locules 21.2% 40.0% Fruits with four locules 69.7% 60.0% Fruits with five or more locules 3.1% 0.0% Average number of locules 3.69 3.6 Thickness of flesh thick (Andevalo, Bingor, Daniel, Topgirl) Calyx: Aspect non-enveloping/saucer- non- shaped (Lamuyo, Sonar) enveloping/saucer- shaped (Lamuyo, Sonar) Pungency sweet sweet Capsaicin in placenta absent (Sonar) Flavor mild pepper flavor moderate pepper flavor Glossiness moderate shiny 7 Seed Seed cavity length 58.9 mm 43.0 mm Seed cavity diameter 63.0 mm 52.0 mm Placenta length 19.3 mm 22.0 mm Number of seeds per fruit 132 100 Grams per 1000 seeds 7.8 gm 7.5 gm Color yellow yellow 8 Plant Seedling: Anthocyanin coloration of absent (Albaregia, Albena) moderate hypocotyl Anthocyanin coloration of stem absent absent Anthocyanin coloration of nodes absent (Albaregia) weak Intensity of anthocyanin coloration of very weak nodes Anthocyanin coloration of leaf absent absent Anthocyanin coloration of pedicel absent absent Anthocyanin coloration of calyx absent absent Anthocyanin coloration in anther absent (Danza) Anthocyanin coloration absent (Lamuyo) absent (Lamuyo) Beginning of flowering (1st flower medium (Lamuyo, Latino) on 2nd flowering node) Time of maturity medium (Lamuyo, Latino, Sonar) *These are typical values. Values may vary due to environment. Other values that are substantially equivalent are also within the scope of the invention.

C. Breeding Pepper Plants

One aspect of the current invention concerns methods for producing seed of pepper hybrid PS16364674 involving crossing pepper lines SBR 99-1321 and SBY 99-1179. Alternatively, in other embodiments of the invention, hybrid PS16364674, line SBR 99-1321, or line SBY 99-1179 may be crossed with itself or with any second plant. Such methods can be used for propagation of hybrid PS16364674 and/or the pepper lines SBR 99-1321 and SBY 99-1179, or can be used to produce plants that are derived from hybrid PS16364674 and/or the pepper lines SBR 99-1321 and SBY 99-1179. Plants derived from hybrid PS16364674 and/or the pepper lines SBR 99-1321 and SBY 99-1179 may be used, in certain embodiments, for the development of new pepper varieties.

The development of new varieties using one or more starting varieties is well known in the art. In accordance with the invention, novel varieties may be created by crossing hybrid PS16364674 followed by multiple generations of breeding according to such well known methods. New varieties may be created by crossing with any second plant. In selecting such a second plant to cross for the purpose of developing novel lines, it may be desired to choose those plants which either themselves exhibit one or more selected desirable characteristics or which exhibit the desired characteristic(s) when in hybrid combination. Once initial crosses have been made, inbreeding and selection take place to produce new varieties. For development of a uniform line, often five or more generations of selfing and selection are involved.

Uniform lines of new varieties may also be developed by way of double-haploids. This technique allows the creation of true breeding lines without the need for multiple generations of selfing and selection. In this manner true breeding lines can be produced in as little as one generation. Haploid embryos may be produced from microspores, pollen, anther cultures, or ovary cultures. The haploid embryos may then be doubled autonomously, or by chemical treatments (e.g. colchicine treatment). Alternatively, haploid embryos may be grown into haploid plants and treated to induce chromosome doubling. In either case, fertile homozygous plants are obtained. In accordance with the invention, any of such techniques may be used in connection with a plant of the invention and progeny thereof to achieve a homozygous line.

Backcrossing can also be used to improve an inbred plant. Backcrossing transfers a specific desirable trait from one inbred or non-inbred source to an inbred that lacks that trait. This can be accomplished, for example, by first crossing a superior inbred (A) (recurrent parent) to a donor inbred (non-recurrent parent), which carries the appropriate locus or loci for the trait in question. The progeny of this cross are then mated back to the superior recurrent parent (A) followed by selection in the resultant progeny for the desired trait to be transferred from the non-recurrent parent. After five or more backcross generations with selection for the desired trait, the progeny have the characteristic being transferred, but are like the superior parent for most or almost all other loci. The last backcross generation would be selfed to give pure breeding progeny for the trait being transferred.

The plants of the present invention are particularly well suited for the development of new lines based on the elite nature of the genetic background of the plants. In selecting a second plant to cross with PS16364674 and/or pepper lines SBR 99-1321 and SBY 99-1179 for the purpose of developing novel pepper lines, it will typically be preferred to choose those plants which either themselves exhibit one or more selected desirable characteristics or which exhibit the desired characteristic(s) when in hybrid combination. Examples of desirable traits may include, in specific embodiments, high seed yield, high seed germination, seedling vigor, high fruit yield, disease tolerance or resistance, and adaptability for soil and climate conditions. Consumer-driven traits, such as a fruit shape, color, texture, and taste are other examples of traits that may be incorporated into new lines of pepper plants developed by this invention.

D. Performance Characteristics

As described above, hybrid PS16364674 exhibits desirable agronomic traits. The performance characteristics of hybrid PS16364674 were the subject of an objective analysis of the performance traits relative to other varieties. The results of the analysis are presented in Tables 4 and 5, below.

TABLE 4 Performance Characteristics For Hybrid PS16364674* Baron Wizard PS16364674 REP #1 REP #2 REP #3 AVG. REP #1 REP #2 REP #3 AVG. REP #1 REP #2 REP #3 AVG. Days To Maturity 1 1 1 1 1 0 1 0.666667 1 2 1 1.333333 Plant Height in 46 44 55 48.33333 46 44 42 44 44 48 46 46 cm Plant Uniformity 3 3 4 3.333333 3 3 3 3 5 4 5 4.666667 Foliage Cover 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 The # of 27 29 32 29.33333 22 26 23 23.66667 28 26 28 27.33333 Marketable # of Cull from 3 2 4 3 4 3 5 4 3 6 4 4.333333 Fruit Length (cm) 93 95 91 93 87 88 95 90 94 91 92 92.33333 Fruit Diameter 88 86 86 86.66667 87 85 90 87.33333 86 86 84 85.33333 (cm) Fruit Weight 10.2 9.75 10.25 10.06667 9.3 10.2 9.8 9.766667 11.65 10.85 11.3 11.26667 (Lbs.) Color 3 3 4 3.333333 3 4 3 3.333333 4 4 4 4 Avg # of Lobes 4 4 4 4 4 4 3.75 3.916667 4 4 4 4 from Fruit Uniformity 5 4 5 4.666667 5 4 5 4.666667 4 4 4 4 Smoothness 4 4 4 4 4 3 4 3.666667 4 4 4 4 Fruit Firmness 3 4 3 3.333333 3 4 3 3.333333 2 2 3 2.333333 Fruit Wall in cm 0.6 0.65 0.6 0.616667 0.75 0.8 0.75 0.766667 0.75 0.8 0.7 0.75 Overall 4 4 5 4.333333 5 5 5 5 3 4 4 3.666667

TABLE 5 Further Performance Characteristics For Hybrid PS16364674 Baron Wizard PS16364674 REP #1 REP #2 REP #3 AVG. REP #1 REP #2 REP #3 AVG. REP #1 REP #2 REP #3 AVG. Days To 1.00 1.00 0.00 0.67 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 Maturity Plant Height in 38.00 40.00 43.00 40.33 45.00 43.00 49.00 45.67 44.00 47.00 43.00 44.67 cm Plant Uniformity 4.00 4.00 3.00 3.67 4.00 4.00 3.00 3.67 3.00 3.00 3.00 3.00 Foliage Cover 4.00 3.00 4.00 3.67 3.00 4.00 3.00 3.33 3.00 3.00 3.00 3.00 The # of 56.00 58.00 59.00 57.67 46.00 56.00 53.00 51.67 55.00 60.00 63.00 59.33 Marketable # of Cull from 8.00 8.00 11.00 9.00 11.00 7.00 9.00 9.00 9.00 7.00 7.00 7.67 Fruit Length 110.00 108.00 112.00 110.00 115.00 121.00 114.00 116.67 113.00 110.00 108.00 110.33 (cm) Fruit Diameter 88.00 88.00 90.00 88.67 89.00 92.00 95.00 92.00 85.00 86.00 85.00 85.33 (cm) Fruit Weight 12.45 12.55 12.90 12.63 9.50 14.54 13.95 12.66 13.35 14.20 14.75 14.10 (Lbs.) Color 5.00 4.00 4.00 4.33 3.00 4.00 4.00 3.67 4.00 4.00 4.00 4.00 Avg # of Lobes 4.00 4.00 4.00 4.00 4.00 4.00 4.00 4.00 4.00 4.00 4.00 4.00 from Fruit Uniformity 4.00 4.00 3.00 3.67 4.00 3.00 4.00 3.67 3.00 3.00 4.00 3.33 Smoothness 4.00 3.00 4.00 3.67 4.00 4.00 3.00 3.67 4.00 3.00 4.00 3.67 Fruit Firmness 4.00 4.00 4.00 4.00 4.00 3.00 3.00 3.33 3.00 3.00 3.00 3.00 Fruit Wall in cm 0.70 0.75 0.70 0.72 0.70 0.75 0.75 0.73 0.80 0.80 0.75 0.78 Overall 3.00 3.00 3.00 3.00 4.00 3.00 3.00 3.33 3.00 3.00 3.00 3.00

The data in Tables 4 and 5 were obtained with peppers grown and evaluated when the field variety achieved the firm green stage, preferred by growers for making the first pick in the field. Days to maturity refers to the number of days beyond the evaluation date, so a variety scoring 0 would mean that the variety was fully at the firm green stage during the day of evaluation. A variety scoring 1 would need an additional day to fully reach the firm green stage. For plant height a meter stick was used to measure the plant height and a visual estimation of the average for the plot was taken. Plant uniformity and foliage cover were subjectively scored by the rater: 1=very uniform 9=very non uniform for uniformity; 1=very good foliage cover 9=poor foliage cover. Ten plants of each variety were picked in each repetition. From those ten plants the number of marketable fruits and the number of culls (fruit that would not be marketable as fresh market product) were recorded. Fruit color measurements were subjectively scored with 1=very dark green and 9=very light green without reference to a color chart. Fruit length, diameter, and weight, refer to a representative subsample of ten marketable fruit. Ten fruits were lined up stem end to blossom end and the total length in cm was recorded. The same ten fruits were lined up shoulder to shoulder and the total width was recorded in cm. Then the same ten fruits were weighed and the total weight of the ten fruits was recorded. Avg # of lobes refers to the average number of lobes (locules) present on the ten fruit subsample. Fruit uniformity, smoothness, firmness, overall are subjective scores that refer to the particular trait with overall being the raters overall score for the variety. 1=very uniform/very smooth/very firm/excellent overall 9=very non-uniform/very rough/very soft/very poor overall depending on the particular trait.

E. Further Embodiments Of The Invention

In certain aspects of the invention, plants described herein are provided modified to include at least a first desired heritable trait. Such plants may, in one embodiment, be developed by a plant breeding technique called backcrossing, wherein essentially all of the morphological and physiological characteristics of a variety are recovered in addition to a genetic locus transferred into the plant via the backcrossing technique. The term single locus converted plant as used herein refers to those pepper plants which are developed by a plant breeding technique called backcrossing, wherein essentially all of the morphological and physiological characteristics of a variety are recovered in addition to the single locus transferred into the variety via the backcrossing technique. By essentially all of the morphological and physiological characteristics, it is meant that the characteristics of a plant are recovered that are otherwise present when compared in the same environment, other than an occasional variant trait that might arise during backcrossing or direct introduction of a transgene.

Backcrossing methods can be used with the present invention to improve or introduce a characteristic into the present variety. The parental pepper plant which contributes the locus for the desired characteristic is termed the nonrecurrent or donor parent. This terminology refers to the fact that the nonrecurrent parent is used one time in the backcross protocol and therefore does not recur. The parental pepper plant to which the locus or loci from the nonrecurrent parent are transferred is known as the recurrent parent as it is used for several rounds in the backcrossing protocol.

In a typical backcross protocol, the original variety of interest (recurrent parent) is crossed to a second variety (nonrecurrent parent) that carries the single locus of interest to be transferred. The resulting progeny from this cross are then crossed again to the recurrent parent and the process is repeated until a pepper plant is obtained wherein essentially all of the morphological and physiological characteristics of the recurrent parent are recovered in the converted plant, in addition to the single transferred locus from the nonrecurrent parent.

The selection of a suitable recurrent parent is an important step for a successful backcrossing procedure. The goal of a backcross protocol is to alter or substitute a single trait or characteristic in the original variety. To accomplish this, a single locus of the recurrent variety is modified or substituted with the desired locus from the nonrecurrent parent, while retaining essentially all of the rest of the desired genetic, and therefore the desired physiological and morphological constitution of the original variety. The choice of the particular nonrecurrent parent will depend on the purpose of the backcross; one of the major purposes is to add some commercially desirable trait to the plant. The exact backcrossing protocol will depend on the characteristic or trait being altered and the genetic distance between the recurrent and nonrecurrent parents. Although backcrossing methods are simplified when the characteristic being transferred is a dominant allele, a recessive allele, or an additive allele (between recessive and dominant), may also be transferred. In this instance it may be necessary to introduce a test of the progeny to determine if the desired characteristic has been successfully transferred.

In one embodiment, progeny pepper plants of a backcross in which a plant described herein is the recurrent parent comprise (i) the desired trait from the non-recurrent parent and (ii) all of the physiological and morphological characteristics of pepper the recurrent parent as determined at the 5% significance level when grown in the same environmental conditions.

New varieties can also be developed from more than two parents. The technique, known as modified backcrossing, uses different recurrent parents during the backcrossing. Modified backcrossing may be used to replace the original recurrent parent with a variety having certain more desirable characteristics or multiple parents may be used to obtain different desirable characteristics from each.

Many single locus traits have been identified that are not regularly selected for in the development of a new inbred but that can be improved by backcrossing techniques. Single locus traits may or may not be transgenic; examples of these traits include, but are not limited to, herbicide resistance, resistance to bacterial, fungal, or viral disease, insect resistance, modified fatty acid or carbohydrate metabolism, and altered nutritional quality. These comprise genes generally inherited through the nucleus.

Direct selection may be applied where the single locus acts as a dominant trait. For this selection process, the progeny of the initial cross are assayed for viral resistance and/or the presence of the corresponding gene prior to the backcrossing. Selection eliminates any plants that do not have the desired gene and resistance trait, and only those plants that have the trait are used in the subsequent backcross. This process is then repeated for all additional backcross generations.

Selection of pepper plants for breeding is not necessarily dependent on the phenotype of a plant and instead can be based on genetic investigations. For example, one can utilize a suitable genetic marker which is closely genetically linked to a trait of interest. One of these markers can be used to identify the presence or absence of a trait in the offspring of a particular cross, and can be used in selection of progeny for continued breeding. This technique is commonly referred to as marker assisted selection. Any other type of genetic marker or other assay which is able to identify the relative presence or absence of a trait of interest in a plant can also be useful for breeding purposes. Procedures for marker assisted selection are well known in the art. Such methods will be of particular utility in the case of recessive traits and variable phenotypes, or where conventional assays may be more expensive, time consuming or otherwise disadvantageous. Types of genetic markers which could be used in accordance with the invention include, but are not necessarily limited to, Simple Sequence Length Polymorphisms (SSLPs) (Williams et al., 1990), Randomly Amplified Polymorphic DNAs (RAPDs), DNA Amplification Fingerprinting (DAF), Sequence Characterized Amplified Regions (SCARs), Arbitrary Primed Polymerase Chain Reaction (AP-PCR), Amplified Fragment Length Polymorphisms (AFLPs) (EP 534 858, specifically incorporated herein by reference in its entirety), and Single Nucleotide Polymorphisms (SNPs) (Wang et al., 1998).

F. Plants Derived By Genetic Engineering

Many useful traits that can be introduced by backcrossing, as well as directly into a plant, are those which are introduced by genetic transformation techniques. Genetic transformation may therefore be used to insert a selected transgene into a plant of the invention or may, alternatively, be used for the preparation of transgenes which can be introduced by backcrossing. Methods for the transformation of plants that are well known to those of skill in the art and applicable to many crop species include, but are not limited to, electroporation, microprojectile bombardment, Agrobacterium-mediated transformation and direct DNA uptake by protoplasts.

To effect transformation by electroporation, one may employ either friable tissues, such as a suspension culture of cells or embryogenic callus or alternatively one may transform immature embryos or other organized tissue directly. In this technique, one would partially degrade the cell walls of the chosen cells by exposing them to pectin-degrading enzymes (pectolyases) or mechanically wound tissues in a controlled manner.

An efficient method for delivering transforming DNA segments to plant cells is microprojectile bombardment. In this method, particles are coated with nucleic acids and delivered into cells by a propelling force. Exemplary particles include those comprised of tungsten, platinum, and preferably, gold. For the bombardment, cells in suspension are concentrated on filters or solid culture medium. Alternatively, immature embryos or other target cells may be arranged on solid culture medium. The cells to be bombarded are positioned at an appropriate distance below the macroprojectile stopping plate.

An illustrative embodiment of a method for delivering DNA into plant cells by acceleration is the Biolistics Particle Delivery System, which can be used to propel particles coated with DNA or cells through a screen, such as a stainless steel or Nytex screen, onto a surface covered with target cells. The screen disperses the particles so that they are not delivered to the recipient cells in large aggregates. Microprojectile bombardment techniques are widely applicable, and may be used to transform virtually any plant species.

Agrobacterium-mediated transfer is another widely applicable system for introducing gene loci into plant cells. An advantage of the technique is that DNA can be introduced into whole plant tissues, thereby bypassing the need for regeneration of an intact plant from a protoplast. Modern Agrobacterium transformation vectors are capable of replication in E. coli as well as Agrobacterium, allowing for convenient manipulations (Klee et al., 1985). Moreover, recent technological advances in vectors for Agrobacterium-mediated gene transfer have improved the arrangement of genes and restriction sites in the vectors to facilitate the construction of vectors capable of expressing various polypeptide coding genes. The vectors described have convenient multi-linker regions flanked by a promoter and a polyadenylation site for direct expression of inserted polypeptide coding genes. Additionally, Agrobacterium containing both armed and disarmed Ti genes can be used for transformation.

In those plant strains where Agrobacterium-mediated transformation is efficient, it is the method of choice because of the facile and defined nature of the gene locus transfer. The use of Agrobacterium-mediated plant integrating vectors to introduce DNA into plant cells is well known in the art (Fraley et al., 1985; U.S. Pat. No. 5,563,055).

Transformation of plant protoplasts also can be achieved using methods based on calcium phosphate precipitation, polyethylene glycol treatment, electroporation, and combinations of these treatments (see, e.g., Potrykus et al., 1985; Omirulleh et al., 1993; Fromm et al., 1986; Uchimiya et al., 1986; Marcotte et al., 1988). Transformation of plants and expression of foreign genetic elements is exemplified in Choi et al. (1994), and Ellul et al. (2003).

A number of promoters have utility for plant gene expression for any gene of interest including but not limited to selectable markers, scoreable markers, genes for pest tolerance, disease resistance, nutritional enhancements and any other gene of agronomic interest. Examples of constitutive promoters useful for plant gene expression include, but are not limited to, the cauliflower mosaic virus (CaMV) P-35S promoter, which confers constitutive, high-level expression in most plant tissues (see, e.g., Odel et al., 1985), including in monocots (see, e.g., Dekeyser et al., 1990; Terada and Shimamoto, 1990); a tandemly duplicated version of the CaMV 35S promoter, the enhanced 35S promoter (P-e35S); 1 the nopaline synthase promoter (An et al., 1988); the octopine synthase promoter (Fromm et al., 1989); and the figwort mosaic virus (P-FMV) promoter as described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,378,619 and an enhanced version of the FMV promoter (P-eFMV) where the promoter sequence of P-FMV is duplicated in tandem; the cauliflower mosaic virus 19S promoter; a sugarcane bacilliform virus promoter; a commelina yellow mottle virus promoter; and other plant DNA virus promoters known to express in plant cells.

A variety of plant gene promoters that are regulated in response to environmental, hormonal, chemical, and/or developmental signals can also be used for expression of an operably linked gene in plant cells, including promoters regulated by (1) heat (Callis et al., 1988), (2) light (e.g., pea rbcS-3A promoter, Kuhlemeier et al., 1989; maize rbcS promoter, Schaffner and Sheen, 1991; or chlorophyll a/b-binding protein promoter, Simpson et al., 1985), (3) hormones, such as abscisic acid (Marcotte et al., 1989), (4) wounding (e.g., wunl, Siebertz et al., 1989); or (5) chemicals such as methyl jasmonate, salicylic acid, or Safener. It may also be advantageous to employ organ-specific promoters (e.g., Roshal et al., 1987; Schernthaner et al., 1988; Bustos et al., 1989).

Exemplary nucleic acids which may be introduced to plants of this invention include, for example, DNA sequences or genes from another species, or even genes or sequences which originate with or are present in the same species, but are incorporated into recipient cells by genetic engineering methods rather than classical reproduction or breeding techniques. However, the term “exogenous” is also intended to refer to genes that are not normally present in the cell being transformed, or perhaps simply not present in the form, structure, etc., as found in the transforming DNA segment or gene, or genes which are normally present and that one desires to express in a manner that differs from the natural expression pattern, e.g., to over-express. Thus, the term “exogenous” gene or DNA is intended to refer to any gene or DNA segment that is introduced into a recipient cell, regardless of whether a similar gene may already be present in such a cell. The type of DNA included in the exogenous DNA can include DNA which is already present in the plant cell, DNA from another plant, DNA from a different organism, or a DNA generated externally, such as a DNA sequence containing an antisense message of a gene, or a DNA sequence encoding a synthetic or modified version of a gene.

Many hundreds if not thousands of different genes are known and could potentially be introduced into a pepper plant according to the invention. Non-limiting examples of particular genes and corresponding phenotypes one may choose to introduce into a pepper plant include one or more genes for insect tolerance, such as a Bacillus thuringiensis (B.t.) gene, pest tolerance such as genes for fungal disease control, herbicide tolerance such as genes conferring glyphosate tolerance, and genes for quality improvements such as yield, nutritional enhancements, environmental or stress tolerances, or any desirable changes in plant physiology, growth, development, morphology or plant product(s). For example, structural genes would include any gene that confers insect tolerance including but not limited to a Bacillus insect control protein gene as described in WO 99/31248, herein incorporated by reference in its entirety, U.S. Pat. No. 5,689,052, herein incorporated by reference in its entirety, U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,500,365 and 5,880,275, herein incorporated by reference in their entirety. In another embodiment, the structural gene can confer tolerance to the herbicide glyphosate as conferred by genes including, but not limited to Agrobacterium strain CP4 glyphosate resistant EPSPS gene (aroA:CP4) as described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,633,435, herein incorporated by reference in its entirety, or glyphosate oxidoreductase gene (GOX) as described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,463,175, herein incorporated by reference in its entirety.

Alternatively, the DNA coding sequences can affect these phenotypes by encoding a non-translatable RNA molecule that causes the targeted inhibition of expression of an endogenous gene, for example via antisense- or cosuppression-mediated mechanisms (see, for example, Bird et al., 1991). The RNA could also be a catalytic RNA molecule (i.e., a ribozyme) engineered to cleave a desired endogenous mRNA product (see for example, Gibson and Shillito, 1997). Thus, any gene which produces a protein or mRNA which expresses a phenotype or morphology change of interest is useful for the practice of the present invention.

G. Definitions

In the description and tables herein, a number of terms are used. In order to provide a clear and consistent understanding of the specification and claims, the following definitions are provided:

Allele: Any of one or more alternative forms of a gene locus, all of which alleles relate to one trait or characteristic. In a diploid cell or organism, the two alleles of a given gene occupy corresponding loci on a pair of homologous chromosomes.

Backcrossing: A process in which a breeder repeatedly crosses hybrid progeny, for example a first generation hybrid (F₁), back to one of the parents of the hybrid progeny. Backcrossing can be used to introduce one or more single locus conversions from one genetic background into another.

Crossing: The mating of two parent plants.

Cross-pollination: Fertilization by the union of two gametes from different plants.

Diploid: A cell or organism having two sets of chromosomes.

Emasculate: The removal of plant male sex organs or the inactivation of the organs with a cytoplasmic or nuclear genetic factor or a chemical agent conferring male sterility.

Enzymes: Molecules which can act as catalysts in biological reactions.

F₁ Hybrid: The first generation progeny of the cross of two nonisogenic plants.

Genotype: The genetic constitution of a cell or organism.

Haploid: A cell or organism having one set of the two sets of chromosomes in a diploid.

Linkage: A phenomenon wherein alleles on the same chromosome tend to segregate together more often than expected by chance if their transmission was independent.

Marker: A readily detectable phenotype, preferably inherited in codominant fashion (both alleles at a locus in a diploid heterozygote are readily detectable), with no environmental variance component, i.e., heritability of 1.

Phenotype: The detectable characteristics of a cell or organism, which characteristics are the manifestation of gene expression.

Quantitative Trait Loci (QTL): Quantitative trait loci (QTL) refer to genetic loci that control to some degree numerically representable traits that are usually continuously distributed.

Resistance: As used herein, the terms “resistance” and “tolerance” are used interchangeably to describe plants that show no symptoms to a specified biotic pest, pathogen, abiotic influence or environmental condition. These terms are also used to describe plants showing some symptoms but that are still able to produce marketable product with an acceptable yield. Some plants that are referred to as resistant or tolerant are only so in the sense that they may still produce a crop, even though the plants are stunted and the yield is reduced.

Regeneration: The development of a plant from tissue culture.

Royal Horticultural Society (RHS) color chart value: The RHS color chart is a standardized reference which allows accurate identification of any color. A color's designation on the chart describes its hue, brightness and saturation. A color is precisely named by the RHS color chart by identifying the group name, sheet number and letter, e.g., Yellow-Orange Group 19A or Red Group 41B.

Self-pollination: The transfer of pollen from the anther to the stigma of the same plant.

Single Locus Converted (Conversion) Plant: Plants which are developed by a plant breeding technique called backcrossing, wherein essentially all of the morphological and physiological characteristics of a pepper variety are recovered in addition to the characteristics of the single locus transferred into the variety via the backcrossing technique and/or by genetic transformation.

Substantially Equivalent: A characteristic that, when compared, does not show a statistically significant difference (e.g., p=0.05) from the mean.

Tissue Culture: A composition comprising isolated cells of the same or a different type or a collection of such cells organized into parts of a plant.

Transgene: A genetic locus comprising a sequence which has been introduced into the genome of a pepper plant by transformation.

H. Deposit Information

A deposit of pepper hybrid PS16364674 and inbred parent line SBR 99-1321, disclosed above and recited in the claims, has been made with the American Type Culture Collection (ATCC), 10801 University Blvd., Manassas, Va. 20110-2209. The date of deposits was Jan. 26, 2010. The accession numbers for those deposited seeds of pepper hybrid PS16364674 and inbred parent line SBR 99-1321 are ATCC Accession No. PTA-10614 and ATCC Accession No. PTA-10615, respectively. Upon issuance of a patent, all restrictions upon the deposits will be removed, and the deposits are intended to meet all of the requirements of 37 C.F.R. §1.801-1.809. The deposits will be maintained in the depository for a period of 30 years, or 5 years after the last request, or for the effective life of the patent, whichever is longer, and will be replaced if necessary during that period.

Although the foregoing invention has been described in some detail by way of illustration and example for purposes of clarity and understanding, it will be obvious that certain changes and modifications may be practiced within the scope of the invention, as limited only by the scope of the appended claims.

All references cited herein are hereby expressly incorporated herein by reference.

REFERENCES

The following references, to the extent that they provide exemplary procedural or other details supplementary to those set forth herein, are specifically incorporated herein by reference:

-   U.S. Pat. No. 5,378,619 -   U.S. Pat. No. 5,463,175 -   U.S. Pat. No. 5,500,365 -   U.S. Pat. No. 5,563,055 -   U.S. Pat. No. 5,633,435 -   U.S. Pat. No. 5,689,052 -   U.S. Pat. No. 5,880,275 -   An et al., Plant Physiol., 88:547, 1988. -   Bird et al., Biotech. Gen. Engin. Rev., 9:207, 1991. -   Bustos et al., Plant Cell, 1:839, 1989. -   Callis et al., Plant Physiol., 88:965, 1988. -   Choi et al., Plant Cell Rep., 13: 344-348, 1994. -   Dekeyser et al., Plant Cell, 2:591, 1990. -   Ellul et al., Theor. Appl. Genet., 107:462-469, 2003. -   EP 534 858 -   Fraley et al., Bio/Technology, 3:629-635, 1985. -   Fromm et al., Nature, 312:791-793, 1986. -   Fromm et al., Plant Cell, 1:977, 1989. -   Gibson and Shillito, Mol. Biotech., 7:125, 1997 -   Klee et al., Bio-Technology, 3(7):637-642, 1985. -   Kuhlemeier et al., Plant Cell, 1:471, 1989. -   Marcotte et al., Nature, 335:454, 1988. -   Marcotte et al., Plant Cell, 1:969, 1989. -   Odel et al., Nature, 313:810, 1985. -   Omirulleh et al., Plant Mol. Biol., 21(3):415-428, 1993. -   Potrykus et al., Mol. Gen. Genet., 199:183-188, 1985. -   Roshal et al., EMBO J., 6:1155, 1987. -   Schaffner and Sheen, Plant Cell, 3:997, 1991. -   Schernthaner et al., EMBO J., 7:1249, 1988. -   Siebertz et al., Plant Cell, 1:961, 1989. -   Simpson et al., EMBO J., 4:2723, 1985. -   Terada and Shimamoto, Mol. Gen. Genet., 220:389, 1990. -   Uchimiya et al., Mol. Gen. Genet., 204:204, 1986. -   Wang et al., Science, 280:1077-1082, 1998. -   Williams et al., Nucleic Acids Res., 1 8:6531-6535, 1990. -   WO 99/31248 

What is claimed is:
 1. A pepper plant comprising at least a first set of the chromosomes of pepper line SBR 99-1321, a sample of seed of said line having been deposited under ATCC Accession No. PTA-10615.
 2. A pepper seed comprising at least a first set of the chromosomes of pepper line SBR 99-1321, a sample of seed of said line having been deposited under ATCC Accession No. PTA-10615.
 3. The plant of claim 1, which is a hybrid.
 4. The plant of claim 3, wherein the hybrid plant is pepper hybrid PS16364674, a sample of seed of said hybrid having been deposited under ATCC Accession No. PTA-10614.
 5. A plant part of the plant of claim
 1. 6. The plant part of claim 5, further defined as a leaf, a ovule, pollen, a fruit, or a cell.
 7. The plant part of claim 6, further defined as a fruit.
 8. A pepper plant, or a part thereof, having all the physiological and morphological characteristics of the pepper plant of claim
 1. 9. A pepper plant, or a part thereof, having all the physiological and morphological characteristics of the pepper plant of claim
 4. 10. A tissue culture of regenerable cells of the plant of claim
 1. 11. The tissue culture according to claim 10, comprising cells or protoplasts from a plant part selected from the group consisting of embryos, meristems, cotyledons, pollen, leaves, anthers, roots, root tips, pistil, flower, seed and stalks.
 12. A pepper plant regenerated from the tissue culture of claim 11, wherein said plant has all the physiological and morphological characteristics of the pepper plant comprising at least a first set of the chromosomes of pepper line SBR 99-1321, a sample of seed of said line having been deposited under ATCC Accession Number PTA-10615.
 13. A method of vegetatively propagating the plant of claim 1 comprising the steps of: (a) obtaining tissue capable of being propagated from a plant according to claim 1; (b) cultivating said tissue to obtain proliferated shoots; and (c) rooting said proliferated shoots to obtain rooted plantlets.
 14. The method of claim 13, further comprising growing plants from said rooted plantlets.
 15. A method of introducing a desired trait into a pepper line comprising: (a) crossing a plant of pepper line SBR 99-1321, a sample of seed of said line having been deposited under ATCC Accession No. PTA-10615, with a second pepper plant that comprises a desired trait to produce F1 progeny; (b) selecting an F1 progeny that comprises the desired trait; (c) crossing the selected F1 progeny with a plant of line SBR 99-1321 to produce backcross progeny; and (d) repeating steps (b) and (c) three or more times to produce selected fourth or higher backcross progeny that comprise the desired trait.
 16. A pepper plant produced by the method of claim
 15. 17. A method of producing a pepper plant comprising a transgene, the method comprising introducing a transgene into a plant of pepper hybrid PS16364674 or pepper line SBR 99-1321, a sample of seed of said hybrid and line having been deposited under ATCC Accession No. PTA-10614 and ATCC Accession No. PTA-10615, respectively.
 18. A plant produced by the method of claim
 17. 19. A plant of pepper hybrid PS16364674 or pepper line SBR 99-1321, further comprising a transgene, a sample of seed of said hybrid and line having been deposited under ATCC Accession No. PTA-10614 and ATCC Accession No. PTA-10615, respectively.
 20. A seed that produces the plant of claim
 19. 21. A plant of pepper hybrid PS16364674 or pepper line SBR 99-1321 further comprising a single locus conversion, a sample of seed of said hybrid and line having been deposited under ATCC Accession No. PTA-10614 and ATCC Accession No. PTA-10615, respectively; wherein said plant otherwise comprises essentially all of the morphological and physiological characteristics of pepper hybrid PS16364674 or pepper line SBR 99-1321, respectively.
 22. A seed that produces the plant of claim
 21. 23. A method for producing a seed of a pepper plant derived from pepper hybrid PS16364674 or pepper line SBR 99-1321 comprising the steps of: (a) crossing a pepper plant of hybrid PS16364674 or line SBR 99-1321 with a second pepper plant; a sample of seed of said hybrid and line having been deposited under ATCC Accession No. PTA-10614 and ATCC Accession No. PTA-10615, respectively; and (b) allowing seed of a hybrid PS16364674 or line SBR 99-1321-derived pepper plant to form.
 24. The method of claim 23, further comprising the steps of: (c) crossing a pepper plant grown from said hybrid PS16364674 or SBR 99-1321-derived pepper seed with itself or a second pepper plant to yield additional hybrid PS16364674 or SBR 99-1321-derived pepper seed; (d) growing said additional hybrid PS16364674 or SBR 99-1321-derived pepper seed of step (c) to yield additional hybrid PS16364674 or SBR 99-1321-derived pepper plants; and (e) repeating the crossing and growing steps of (c) and (d) to generate at least a first further hybrid PS16364674 or SBR 99-1321-derived pepper plant.
 25. The method of claim 23, wherein the second pepper plant is of an inbred pepper line.
 26. The method of claim 24, further comprising: (f) crossing the further hybrid PS16364674 or SBR 99-1321-derived pepper plant with a second pepper plant to produce seed of a hybrid progeny plant.
 27. A method of producing a pepper comprising: (a) obtaining a plant according to claim 1, wherein the plant has been cultivated to maturity; and (b) collecting a pepper from the plant.
 28. The method of claim 27, wherein the plant is a plant of pepper hybrid PS16364674, a sample of seed of said hybrid PS16364674 having been deposited under ATCC Accession No. PTA-10615.
 29. A method of producing pepper seed comprising crossing the plant of claim 1 with itself or a second plant. 